Best places to visit in MENORCA
Planning a trip to Menorca and wondering what are the best places to visit in Menorca?
Menorca (or Minorca) is a Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea, and one of the Balearic Islands. Less popular than Mallorca and Ibiza and also less crowded, Menorca is a lovely place to visit if you are looking for a laid-back, family or couple-friendly destination. Boasting a lovely Mediterranean climate, the island attracts sun-seekers from all around the world. Besides the great weather, Menorca is with its beautiful, rugged coastline with secluded coves and gorgeous beaches.
Sounds interesting?
Check out our list of the best things to do in Menorca for some travel inspiration!
7 best places to visit in Menorca
Ciutadella de Menorca
Ciutadella de Menorca is a port city on the west coast of the island.
It is the former capital of Menorca and is known for its old quarter and medieval streets. Ciutadella’s historic centre is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Menorca.
What to do in Ciutadella? Wander along the narrow streets of the old quarter. Explore the main square, Placa des Born. Visit the city’s historical buildings such as the beautiful city hall, Salord and Torre-Saura palaces, and the old Ciutadella de Menorca.
Do not miss the sheltered Ciutadella’s harbour. It’s a nice place for a meal, as there are loads of restaurants. The streets leading to the harbour are worth exploring too.
Binibeca Vell
Binibeca Vell is a charming coastal village located on the south coast of Menorca.
It is known for its whitewashed houses which make the little village aesthetically pleasing. Thanks to the picture-perfect houses, Binibeca probably is one of the most photographed spots on the island
The village is not historic, however. It was built in the 1960s and designed to resemble a prototypical Mediterranean coastal village.
El Toro
El Toro (or Monte Toro) is the highest hill of Menorca.
It has an elevation of 358 m, and its peak can be reached by car or on foot. However, there are no hiking trails leading to the top of El Toro, only the road.
El Toro offers fantastic views of the island.
The Nature Park of Albufera des Grau
Parc natural de s’Albufera des Grau is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
With an area of about 5067 hectares, the natural park is made up of land, marshlands, dune systems, cliffs, untouched, pristine coastline and a protected lagoon. The tiny island of Colom is also a part of the nature park.
The nature park of Albufera des Grau offers several walking routes that lead to beaches and the popular lighthouse of Favaritx, the most picturesque lighthouse in Menorca.
Kayaking in the nature reserve is another very popular activity for tourists.
Mahón
Mahón (or Maó) is the capital and second-largest city of Menorca.
The city is known for its natural harbour. With a length of 5 km and a width of up to 900 m, it is one of the longest natural harbours in the world, and the largest natural harbour in the Mediterranean. There is evidence that the port has been used since the 3rd century BC. You can take a boat tour around the harbour of Mahón.
What else? Explore the city centre which is perched above the harbour. With its narrow streets and elegant historical buildings, Mahón city centre is a wonderful place for a relaxing stroll.
Definitely visit the fish market in Mahón. There you can buy fresh fish, and — on the other side of the market — tapas and drinks.
Beaches of Menorca
Menorca is known for its beautiful, postcard-perfect beaches.
There are so many gorgeous beaches to visit on this island. Just to name a few:
- Cala Galdana
- Cala Pregonda
- Playa de Son Bou
- Caló Blanc
- Cala Turqueta
- Cala Macarella
- Es Grau
- Cala Mesquida
- Cala Mitjana and Cala Mitjaneta
… and many more. These beaches obviously are the best places to visit in Menorca.
If you are travelling to the island in summer, be prepared for crowded beaches.
Camí de Cavalls path
The Camí de Cavalls is a 186-km long path which encircles Menorca.
The Camí de Cavalls is a historic hiking path. It is considered that the original function of this path was defence and control of Menorca.
To complete the 186-km long trek, it takes about 7 to 10 days. You don’t have to do the whole route, though. The route is divided into 20 different stages, each of which is between 5 and 14 km long. All the stages are easily accessible by road, making it possible to do only one, two or more stages of the route at a time.
Menorca travel tips
- Menorca is an island in the Mediterranean Sea, belonging to Spain. If you are a citizen of the EU, you don’t need a visa to travel to Menorca. If you are a citizen of a country that is privileged with entering the Schengen zone visa-free for short stays, you can visit Menorca visa-free, too.
- The high season in Menorca runs from June to September. The weather is great, and there are a lot of crowds (especially in July and August). Book accommodation well in advance if you are travelling to Menorca in the summer.
- The shoulder season is in May and October. The weather then is warm, but it can get chilly in the evenings. Pack a jacket and trousers for the cool evenings.
- The best way to get around Menorca is by car, especially if you want to visit more remote areas of the island.
- Renting a scooter is also a good option if you want to have flexibility.
- Public transport is also an option. The public transport system is good, but it’s limited to the cities and main beach resorts.
